Taormina, Catania and Home
Taormina sits on the side of a mountain with one winding narrow road that goes in and out. As you make your way up you encounter some very high bridges that can make those of us afraid of heights hold our breath and pray. One in particular had me closing my eyes and asking him to tell me when we were back on solid ground. However, once you arrive in Taormina the breathtaking views and old cobblestone streets will bring you back to another time.
From our Airbnb terrace we had a view of the harbor, and for the adventurous soul there is an aerial tramway that will either take you down to the beach, or up to another part of town at the top of the mountain. The trams proximity, in terms of how high it was off the ground, kept me from taking this journey. There was more than enough for me to experience with my feet on the ground.
As you go through the old archway onto the cobblestone streets there are restaurants and shops to explore; enough to fill a whole day if you choose to do so. We stopped and had a late breakfast at a quaint café and watched as the other tourists meandered through the streets. Our walk to the upper end of the village brought us to a large piazza with spectacular views looking out over the ocean. There was a wedding taking place at the old church, and street performers strumming their guitars for the enjoyment of tourists who tossed money into their guitar cases.
After a bit of shopping, and checking out restaurants for dinner, we went back to our Airbnb to relax. Sitting on the terrace we could faintly hear the traffic far down below us, and he enjoyed a cigar while I savored every moment of beauty and tranquility. For a few brief moments I could imagine a life in Taormina, but the reality is I would miss home and family.
We had chosen Trattoria Tutti cca for our evening dining experience; sitting in an alley, with tables on the stairs, it was very quaint and romantic. The food was absolutely amazing, and we even had musical entertainment from an outdoor venue behind the restaurant. After a short stroll we returned to rest up before our last day in Catania.
Catania was a quick day and overnight before heading home. We had chosen B&B Sciara Larmisi for our stay. It was a gem in a nice quiet square, and the hosts were friendly and helpful. The room was updated and comfortable, the stay came with a great breakfast, and they had a terrace for guests to sit and watch daily life pass by in the square. We took a short stroll down by the water and enjoyed lunch al fresco and headed back for an afternoon siesta. After an early evening meal we prepared for our journey home. It had been an amazing three weeks and we would be taking home memories to last a lifetime, but we were ready to return to our daily life.
One chaotic trip to the Catania airport, two extremely brief layovers in Frankfurt and Munich where we were lucky to catch our connecting flights, two hours in customs at Logan airport upon our return, a late bus ride to our car, and we finally made it home. Totally exhausted it was wonderful to once again sleep in our own bed.
From our Airbnb terrace we had a view of the harbor, and for the adventurous soul there is an aerial tramway that will either take you down to the beach, or up to another part of town at the top of the mountain. The trams proximity, in terms of how high it was off the ground, kept me from taking this journey. There was more than enough for me to experience with my feet on the ground.
As you go through the old archway onto the cobblestone streets there are restaurants and shops to explore; enough to fill a whole day if you choose to do so. We stopped and had a late breakfast at a quaint café and watched as the other tourists meandered through the streets. Our walk to the upper end of the village brought us to a large piazza with spectacular views looking out over the ocean. There was a wedding taking place at the old church, and street performers strumming their guitars for the enjoyment of tourists who tossed money into their guitar cases.
After a bit of shopping, and checking out restaurants for dinner, we went back to our Airbnb to relax. Sitting on the terrace we could faintly hear the traffic far down below us, and he enjoyed a cigar while I savored every moment of beauty and tranquility. For a few brief moments I could imagine a life in Taormina, but the reality is I would miss home and family.
We had chosen Trattoria Tutti cca for our evening dining experience; sitting in an alley, with tables on the stairs, it was very quaint and romantic. The food was absolutely amazing, and we even had musical entertainment from an outdoor venue behind the restaurant. After a short stroll we returned to rest up before our last day in Catania.
Catania was a quick day and overnight before heading home. We had chosen B&B Sciara Larmisi for our stay. It was a gem in a nice quiet square, and the hosts were friendly and helpful. The room was updated and comfortable, the stay came with a great breakfast, and they had a terrace for guests to sit and watch daily life pass by in the square. We took a short stroll down by the water and enjoyed lunch al fresco and headed back for an afternoon siesta. After an early evening meal we prepared for our journey home. It had been an amazing three weeks and we would be taking home memories to last a lifetime, but we were ready to return to our daily life.
One chaotic trip to the Catania airport, two extremely brief layovers in Frankfurt and Munich where we were lucky to catch our connecting flights, two hours in customs at Logan airport upon our return, a late bus ride to our car, and we finally made it home. Totally exhausted it was wonderful to once again sleep in our own bed.
Molto bella, Pam. We have a talented writer in our midst! You are blessed to have had such a trip. I'll be trying your Shepherds Pie Recipe soon, also.
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